Emanuel Navarrete v Shakur Stevenson Could Happen Sooner Than Later
WBO featherweight champion Emanuel “Vaquero” Navarrete (36-1, 30KO) is on a collision course with fellow stablemate, unified junior lightweight champion Shakur “Fearless” Stevenson (18-0, 9KO). After getting bailed out by his power in a successful defense of the title, Vaquero’s lack of discipline and lifestyle may be the root of him leaving the division.
Navarrete almost missed weight, narrowly making it after stripping down to his birthday suit. During the fight, the broadcast team revealed Navarrete’s undisciplined eating habits as the reason why he looked soft in the belly. He was sluggish as challenger, Eduardo Baez, beat him to the punch throughout the fight. In round six, Navarrete landed a gut-wrenching punch to the liver that permanently dropped Baez. It became clear the champion’s days as a featherweight may be coming to an end.
NAVARRETE MAY HAVE TO MOVE UP
In 2021, Stevenson expressed wanting to fight the Mexican champion, provided he crossed the threshold into the junior lightweight division. Fearless just may get his wish. During the post-fight interview, Navarrete was unclear if he would remain at featherweight. If he decides to vacate the title and move up, he goes to the front of the line, per WBO bylaws. A champion moving up in weight is automatically classified as the mandatory challenger.
It will be interesting to see what is next for team Navarrete in the upcoming months.
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By: Garrisson Bland
